Recent School Bus Accidents in Illinois Prompts Discussion Regarding Safety and Safe Driving Practices

 Posted on November 08, 2016 in Personal Injury

Hardly a month goes by, it seems, without a report of another school bus accident occurring somewhere in the region. Though they are overall rather rare, school bus accidents should serve as a reminder to be concerned about safety and safe driving practices in the early morning and afternoon hours – a time when buses can typically be seen on the road. Learn how you can make the roads safer for everyone, including buses, with the following tips and guidelines.

Be a Responsible Driver

In addition to typical safe driving practices (i.e. following the speed limit, obeying traffic laws, not driving impaired), drivers should be extra cautious whenever they see a school bus. If you are following one, pay close attention and remember that they must stop frequently. If you are on an undivided road or directly behind one when they do stop, never pass and stay alert; children can often be unpredictable and may still be present, even after the bus takes off.

Encourage Your Children to be Safe Riders

Approximately 25 million children in the United States ride a bus to and from school each day. For the most part, that is a very positive thing; school busses reduce emissions and morning traffic (making the roads safer, overall), and they are specifically designed with passenger safety in mind. But to be fully effective, all riders must know and follow the rules. Encourage your children to be safe riders with the following tips:

• Do not speak loudly or make distracting noise while on the bus;
• Keep your head, hands, and arms inside the bus at all times;
• Never stand or leave your seat when the bus is in motion;
• Gather your belongings before reaching your stop;
• Keep bags, books, and other items out of the aisle and out of the air;
• Use the handrail when getting on and off the bus;
• When boarding the bus, wait for the bus to completely stop and the door to open;
• Never walk behind the bus and stay away from the wheels;
• If crossing the street is necessary, make sure you and the driver can see one another and watch for their signal to know when to cross. Look left, right, and then left again before crossing and always keep an eye out for sudden traffic changes; and
• Never roughhouse or throw things at the bus stop or while on the bus.

Injuries or Wrongful Death during a School Bus Accident? Seek Qualified Legal Advice

School buses truly do make the roads safer, and accidents are typically rare. If, however, one has happened and you or someone you love has suffered injury or wrongful death, it is crucial that you seek qualified and experienced legal counsel. The DuPage County personal injury attorneys at Martoccio & Martoccio have a proven track record of success. To learn how they may be able to help with your case, call 630-920-8855 and schedule your free initial consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/back-to-school-safety-tips-for-drivers.aspx

http://www.pjstar.com/news/20161107/two-killed-as-car-and-bus-collide-on-route-29

http://www.nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/news-and-resources-school-bus-safety-rules.aspx

http://wgntv.com/2016/09/14/school-bus-accident-in-homer-glen/